If you’re anything like me, you look forward to the cooler seasons of the year — a break from the heat and a little kiss on your nose from the chill is welcome. However, once that first cold morning hits, you often wish those days of humidity and heat were back with a passion. Here are a number of tactics to help you survive the cold and keep your toes warm in your mobile home this winter.

• Reinsulate Your Walls

  Energy bills can be high in the winter. Since some mobile homes lack enough insulation, you can keep your costs low by reinsulating your walls. Purchase some thick insulation from your favorite home store and DIY like crazy.

• Caulk

  Consider re-caulking and weather stripping the cracks and crevices around openings in your mobile home to decrease the air flow entering your cozy space.

• Unplug Electronics

  When you aren’t using an item, unplug it! We use more electricity powering our dormant electronics than during use. These savings can be applied toward your winter energy costs.

• Let Sunlight In

  This form of heat is free, so when the sun is shining, make sure you open every blind and let that natural heat enter your space!

• Invest in Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

  Consider investing in energy-efficient window treatments to keep the cold out and the heat in. A range of energy-efficient window treatments can be found here.

• Use Ceiling Fans

  While this may sound contradictory to the objective, running your ceiling fan will actually increase air flow and push the heat that has risen back down to your level.

Button up your coat and your home, and you’ll find the chilly months of the year can be truly enjoyable.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

Informed buyers save money and avoid last minute hassles. Use this checklist to help you search for, find and buy a new manufactured home.

• Track your credit situation before hunting for a home. Get a copy of your credit report, check it for accuracy and correct any errors.
• Determine how much you can afford to spend for a new manufactured home. Use our mortgage calculator to figure out this amount.
• Look at your total financial picture before making any home buying decision.
• Make a written list of your housing needs and wants to help you decide on the type of manufactured home that best fits your budget.
• Take an active role, ask questions and negotiate your best deal before signing a home buying contract.
• Review home warranties and what they will protect.
• Compare and secure insurance for the mobile home. Since insurance is a long-term expense, getting the best value gives you savings that continue. Foremost is a national leader in insurance for mobile homes.
• Secure final loan approval and commitment from your lending institution.
• If possible, inspect your new manufactured home before closing and settlement. Check over the frame, walls, roof, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, storage, furniture, floors, and ceiling.

How To Trim Your Budget

Ready for a new manufactured home, but want to have a bigger nest egg before you buy? One of the best ways to save money is to cut everyday expenses. Here are a few ideas to help you trim your budget.

• Pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible or switch to a less expensive card. Try not to charge anything you can’t pay off at the end of the month.
• Write down everything you spend. After two weeks you may be surprised to see how much money is spent on items you don’t really need.
• Do business with a bank that has convenient ATMs located close to your home or work to avoid extra charges for each withdrawal.
• Keep your checkbook and other accounts balanced so you will know how much money you have and where it is. This is another way to avoid bank charges.
• Consider buying your next car rather than leasing it. Buying is almost always a better investment than leasing. So is buying a used car instead of a new one.
• Lower your energy bill by raising your air conditioning in the summer and lowering your heat in the winter. This simple action can save hundreds of dollars every year.
• Give up smoking or cut back. You’ll save about $4 for every pack you don’t buy. As a non-smoker you will also be eligible for lower health and homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

If shopping for a new home, you should consider many things. Things like property taxes, school district, the appeal of the neighborhood and, what the cost of owning that home will be. The financial implications of insurance as part of your overall investment could be a huge factor. We put together this guide to help you think through all the costs associated with buying a home.
________________________________________
First things first!

Check your credit rating
Your credit rating will determine the interest rate of your mortgage, the type of loan you will qualify for, and also your insurance premium. Most insurance companies use credit as an import rate determent. A good credit history makes it easier to get a mortgage at a competitive interest rate, and may also qualify you for a good credit discount on your insurance. Obtain a copy of one or all of your credit reports. Make sure they are accurate and report any mistakes immediately. If your credit is not as good as it could be, take steps now to improve it.

Protect yourself with a renters insurance policy
If you are currently renting a house or apartment, protect yourself with a renters insurance policy. A renters insurance policy will provide protection for your possessions such as clothes, appliances, and furniture. The policies can also provide claims benefits such as additional living expense if you become displaced due to a claim at your apartment and you can’t live there Chances are, it you could take months for the building owner to rebuild or renovate your apartment after a claim. Your renters policy could pay the additional expense you incur from having to rent a second apartment, eat out, or extra cost for commute changes. Aside from these things, you typically can get a package or bundle discount for having your renters policy with the same company your auto insurance is with. You could also qualify for discounts on insurance you’re your new home since you had a renters policy.

While you are shopping
Consider the following as each will affect your insurance costs as well as your cost of ownership:

Fire Department
Every city, town, and community have a Protection Class Rating assigned them. This is represented by a scale from 1 meaning best and 10 meaning no fire protection present.
Houses that are located near highly rated, permanently staffed fire departments usually cost less to insure. This is also typical for homes that have a hydrant nearby.

Coastal Proximity to the coastline
Houses located on or near the coast will generally cost more to insure than those further inland. Typically they will also have separate deductibles for hurricane, wind, or hail. Sometimes they will exclude wind and you will need to purchase a wind policy through a state run insurance pool, which can be purchased through your independent Insurance agent.

Age of the home
Older homes can be beautiful but ornate features like plaster walls, ceiling molding and wooden floors may be costly to replace and can raise the cost of insurance. And plumbing and electrical systems can become unsafe with age and lack of maintenance. If you are considering buying an older home find out how much it will cost to update these features and factor that into the cost of ownership.

Roof
Roofs can be expenses! Check the roof’s condition and type. Most homes have a shingle roof. Steel, Slate, and cedar roof can sometime be difficult or expense to insure.

Construction quality
All home are not built alike. In a single zipcode homes can have a variance of cost between basic an custom construction or nearly 200% difference. Wow! He higher the cost of construction the more your home insurance will cost.

Construction updates
Have their been any updates to the home. If yes, how extensive. Updates such as replacing the roof, water heater, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system can bring huge discounts to you as the new homeowner. If an older home has been completely renovated some companies will treat the year of renovation as the year of construction for huge saving for you.
Is the home in a Flood Zone
Technically all home are in a Flood Zone. However, some homes are in preferred zones and other are in non-preferred zones. Homeowners insurance usually does not provide coverage for flood damage. If you home is in a non-preferred zone you will be required to purchase flood insurance if you have a mortgage. The price for flood insurance in non-preferred zones is significantly more than in a preferred zone. With the use of an elevation certificate you may be able to lower the costs of this policy. Guidance for determining if the potential home is in non-preferred flood zone and a flood insurance policy can both be obtained by your independent insurance agent.

History of earthquakes
While earthquakes are most frequently associated with California, they occur in the majority of states and are not covered under standard home insurance policies. In the past decade we have seen more seismic activity in places like Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Earthquake insurance is usually available as an add on to your homeowners policy.

Swimming pools
Swimming pools, hot tubs, slides, and diving boards are great fun but all create a liability exposure many insurance companies are not comfortable with. Make sure to discuss this with your independent insurance agent to see what options you have. Having these features should not keep you from being able to obtain insurance, but it is good to know before had what to expect.

You found a home you like, what now

Check the claims history

Ask the current homeowner to obtain a copy of the loss history repot from their current agent on the home. Homeowners can obtain either a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.) report, which is available from LexisNexis, or an A-PLUSTM property report from ISO®. These reports provide a record of the type of loss on the home and can provide extremely valuable information. For instance, if there was a claim for water damage on the home, it is important to find out the source of the damage (such as a burst pipe) and whether it has been properly repaired. On the other hand, a claim for wind or hail that resulted in a new roof makes the home stronger and is very attractive from an insurance perspective.

Have the house inspected
Accompany the inspector to make sure he or she is thorough and makes sure to:
Check the general condition of the home
Look for water damage, termites and other types of infestation
Review the electrical system, plumbing, septic tank and water heater
Show you where potential problems might develop
Double-check that past problems have been repaired
Suggest important upgrades or replacements

If the inspector raises questions, your insurance company will as well. Be sure to find out if there is an underground oil storage tank, as many insurers will not provide policies for homes that have one.

Estimate maintenance costs
Routine maintenance is your responsibility as a homeowner so be sure to factor these costs into the overall price of owning the home. Losses caused by failing to properly care for your home are not covered by homeowners policies.

Call your independent insurance agent
Get you insurance agent involved in the conversation early on and don’t wait until the last minute before contacting your independent insurance agent. The sooner you speak with your insurance professional, the smoother the process will be. If you’re uncomfortable with the cost of insuring a particular house, look for one that better fits your financial situation.

Need a quote on Home Insurance. Get to start a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

An ounce of prevention saves a ton of trouble when it comes to making your home more comfortable. Why put up with drafts, leaks, excess moisture, mildew or pesky pests when you don’t have to?

You can put a stop to costly drafts or leaks before they start with the right sealant, caulking compound or roof coating. Unwanted moisture can be a problem even in today’s well-built and insulated manufactured homes, but not if you take steps to control it. Pests inside or under your manufactured home can also cause trouble. Homeowners agree it’s far easier to keep bugs or unwanted animals from getting into their manufactured home than it is to get rid of them once they’ve moved in! Here are some quick preventive maintenance tips that pay off in both time and money.

How to keep out drafts and leaks

Sealants, caulking compounds and roof coatings prevent leaks and drafts. Sealing your home is probably the easiest and least costly way to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Basically, any crevice, crack or connection (except the edges of siding panels) should be sealed.

To determine if your old caulk needs replacing, poke it with a screwdriver or nail. It should have a rubbery consistency. If it is hard, brittle and cracked, remove and replace it as part of your regular preventive maintenance. You will probably need more than one type of sealant to do your entire home. Here are some common sealant types:

• Silicone

  Expensive, but excellent for most uses. High adhesion and longevity. Paint might not stick to surface.

• Acrylic Latex

  Not quite as expensive as silicone. Good adhesion and longevity. Can be painted.

• Vinyl Latex

  Somewhat expensive. Good around damp areas such as tubs and toilets.

• Oil-Based Caulk

  Fairly inexpensive. Does not last long. Bonds well to most surfaces.

• Expandable Foam

  An excellent way to fill gaps around pipes. Also provides insulation value. Very adhesive.

• Roof Coating – Aluminum Based

  Available in a variety of grades. Should be applied to entire metal roof at least once every two years. Prevents leaks and corrosion.

• Roof Coating – White

  Can be acrylic or elastomeric (rubber). More expensive than aluminum based roof coating. Prevents leaks and reflects sun’s rays. Keeps house cooler in summer.

• Patching Cement

  For use on a metal roof. Ideal for patching holes and sealing seams.

Need  quote on Mobile Home Insurance. Get to start a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

Imagine how devastating it would be to lose your home in a fire. Now imagine not being able to rebuild it completely because you didn’t have the correct amount of insurance.

Selecting the proper amount of coverage is the single most important decision you can make with your Homeowners policy. Without it, you may not have enough coverage to rebuild after a total loss. This is called “insurance to value.” Below are some explanations and tips to help you make the right choices for your needs — and remember, if you need help, we’re just a phone call away!

What is insurance to value?

Insurance to value is the relationship between the amount of coverage selected (typically listed as “Coverage A” or “Dwelling Coverage” on your policy declarations page) and the amount required to rebuild your home.  Insuring your home for anything less than 100% insurance to value could mean you wouldn’t have enough coverage to replace your home in the event of a total loss

Why is the cost to rebuild different from the market value?

A home’s market value reflects current economic conditions, taxes, school districts, the value of the land and location, and other factors unrelated to construction cost.  The cost to rebuild your home is based only on the cost of materials and labor in your area.  It is important that you insure your home based on its reconstruction cost, NOT its current market value

Why is reconstruction more expensive than new construction?

New-home builders typically build many homes at once, and solicit bids from various sub-contractors to receive the best pricing. Their business model is based on economies of scale. For example, they may purchase 20 bathtubs at once, securing a lower unit cost. These economies of scale don’t exist when building a single home.

How can I make sure I have the correct amount of insurance?

Work with your agent to provide detailed information at time of purchase to be sure that you receive a thorough and accurate quote.

Ask us about additional coverage options that may be available.

Review your insurance to value calculation on a regular basis with your agent.

Tell your agent about any changes or improvements that you make to your home.

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

Out of sight, out of mind! It’s a saying that’s too often true about making repairs around the base of your home. Problems with manufactured home skirting are common, and replacing your mobile home’s skirting is easier than you might think.

Replacing your home’s skirting

Most manufactured homes have some type of skirting attached to the base of the home. This skirting protects your home’s pipes and fixtures from the elements, reduces updrafts and helps to control moisture. Damaged aluminum and vinyl skirting panels should be replaced, not patched. Fortunately, individual panels are not very expensive and are easy to replace. If you have trouble finding identical replacement panels, switch the damaged panel with one in a less conspicuous location. Or, if your skirting is aluminum, buy a panel in a similar pattern and paint it to match. In warmer climates, a screen or louvered vent can also be used as a replacement.

Besides your replacement panel, you’ll need tin snips and a measuring tape.

• • Step 1: Remove panel.

    Slide the panel up until it is above the ground channel. Pull it out from the bottom and slide the rest of the panel out. With some types of skirting, it’s easier to remove panels if you unsnap the trim.

  • Step 2: Cut to fit.

    Measure the damaged panel to determine the size of a replacement panel. Both aluminum and vinyl skirting panels can be cut with tin snips. Remember to keep the top of the panel straight.

  • Step 3: Replace panel.

    Slide the top of the panel in first, and then lift to insert the bottom into the ground channel. If you removed the top trim front, make sure the replacement panel is in place, then snap the top trim front in place.

Need a Mobile Home Insurance? Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

If the frame on one of your mobile home windows is warped or severely weather damaged, replace it. Even if the frames aren’t warped or damaged, windows that seem to constantly need repair or adjustment should be replaced. A new, efficient window keeps cold drafts out of your manufactured home and saves you energy dollars in the long run.

Before you buy a replacement for an old window, think about the style and size of the new window you’d like. Things to consider are the window’s location, whether you want a smaller or larger replacement, and the way the original window was mounted on your home. Don’t assume that you must replace your old window with an exact duplicate. Many new energy-efficient windows, in a variety of styles, are made for manufactured homes.

Before you go shopping, determine the size of your existing window and check if the window is flush-mounted or mounted for lap siding. A flush-mounted window frame screws on over the siding. If the window has a lap-siding mount, the siding covers the window frame screws. Your new window should have the same type of mount as your current window, for appearance and ease of installation.

Before you order a new window, you may want to remove your old window and check that the opening is square. To do that, remove your window, and measure the opening diagonals corner to corner or use a framing square to measure the opening.

If the window opening is slightly off-square, you can use shims to fit in a new window. If the opening is significantly off-square, you can reduce the window opening by roughing a new, square frame for a smaller window or you can enlarge the opening for a larger window. It’s usually easier to reduce the opening and install a smaller window.

If you are replacing a bedroom window, and it’s the only exit from the bedroom to the outside, you probably won’t be able to make the opening smaller. Bedroom windows that serve as egress windows in case of fire must meet minimum code requirements.

To replace your window, you’ll need screws, putty tape, silicone sealant, and a screwdriver and/or replaceable drill with screwhead bits. When you purchase your new window, check with the window supplier about any special tools or screwhead bits you’ll need.

• Step 1: Remove siding

  You can skip this step if your frame is mounted over vertical siding. If your frame is mounted under lap siding, remove the siding around the window. Be careful – if you bend aluminum siding, you will not be able to get rid of the resulting crease.

• Step 2: Remove window

  Using a reversible drill and proper screwhead bit, remove the screws around the edges of the frame. Note the size and type of screw. It’s best not to reuse these screws. Instead, use new screws the same diameter and slightly longer than the originals. Once all the screws are out, remove the old window and frame.

  Scrape off all the old putty tape from the opening and frame. Apply new putty tape around the window frame. For extra moisture protection, apply two thicknesses of putty tape at the top of the opening. Applying putty tape is very important, especially if you have vertical siding. The tape fills any gaps between the window frame and the siding.

• Step 3: Replace window

  Start by inserting one screw in the middle of all four sides. Be sure the screws go in straight. Do not tighten screws. Check to make sure the window is square before inserting more screws. After you have used about half the screws, open and close the window a few times to see that it is square and does not bind. Put in the remaining screws and tighten.

• Step 4: Seal

  Run a bead of clear silicone sealant along the top of the window where it meets the siding. Replace any siding that was removed.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies.  So why worry about umbrella coverage?  Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered? 

Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits.  Large damages can be awarded, be extremely expensive and have long-term financial impact.  Those lawsuits can come from unlikely sources, such as our furry friends.

Take Herschel for instance.  Herschel is a much-loved, rather timid labradoodle who enjoys taking naps on the driveway while his owner mows the lawn.

Herschel watched from eight feet away as his neighbor, a 39 year old man, showed off his rollerblading skills to his kids.  The man wiped out on the sidewalk in front of Herschel’s house and broke his leg.  He required surgery, costing around $35,000 in medical costs and $18,000 in lost wages.

Fair or not, the man brought a lawsuit against Herschel’s owner, suing for $220,000 in damages.  He alleged that Herschel had caused the accident by getting in his way, despite multiple witnesses to the contrary. 

But Herschel’s owner was lucky–a jury vindicated Herschel. However, lawsuits such as these can easily exceed the limits on a homeowner’s policy, leaving the insured responsible for the remainder.  An umbrella policy would prevent that, giving you an extra $1 million to $5 million in coverage.

Our furry friends can put your assets at risk in other ways as well.   According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with half of those occurring on the owner’s property.  Dog bites, according to the Insurance Information Institute, account for about a third of all homeowner’s insurance claims, which only cover limited damages.

 Protect what you love.  Call us to talk about your umbrella options. 

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR